Updates from the Victorian Minister for Creative Industries on the Performing Arts Sector – VIC Members Bulletin
Dear VIC Members,
Updates from the Victorian Minister for Creative Industries
on the Performing Arts Sector
On Thursday October 7th TNA attended a dedicated forum to discuss the proposed settings for Victoria’s Roadmap for Delivering the National Plan and its application to the performing arts sector. This will be a targeted, sector-led discussion with the Minister, key players from the Victoria’s performing arts and department representatives from Creative Victoria and the Industry Coordination and Recovery Group (ICRG).
All information below is an interpretation by TNA from statements and discussion from the forum (as well as publicly available information), and we encourage you to continue comparing this with information as it is released.
Performing Arts Sector Forum
We understand that there will be open information sessions about vaccination directions for the arts industry next week. Keep an eye out for announcements from TNA.
Rehearsal Bubble
On Friday October 8th the State Government created a “rehearsal bubble,” which allows rehearsals to take place (with restrictions) from 11:59pm on Friday October 8th for NPAPF organisations, some commercial theatre spaces, and state-owned agencies only. These have been added to the Authorised Workers list (https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list) today with no official announcement made. The additions are:
• rehearsals conducted by National Performing Arts Companies; and
• rehearsals conducted at theatres with a seated capacity of over 1000 that are used for the performance of commercial theatre
Activity may only occur if all people have had at least one vaccine dose by the specified date (unless there is a valid medical exception). If all people are fully vaccinated (unless there is a valid medical exception), then:
• 120 per space max at DQ2
Otherwise:
• 60 per space at DQ2, OR
• 120 per space at DQ4
Details on whether a “space” refers to one room that does share airflow with other rooms, or the entire facility is still to be clarified.
TNA asked the Minister why small to medium organisations, which still present nationally significant work at the same professional standards, were not included in this announcement, especially as in most cases they would only require a much lower capacity. The Minister acknowledged the concern and frustration, and indicated that this needed to be done incrementally, was the first step in negotiating relaxations to restrictions with the Department of Health for the sector.
Just like authorised workers, those who need to travel to attend work/rehearsals can do so outside of the current travel restrictions, but their restrictions travel with them – i.e., someone travelling to Geelong from Melbourne for work cannot stop along the way for a haircut.
Vaccinated Economy Trials
From Monday October 11th, venues in selected regional locations in Victoria will be taking part in trails to test processes for verifying vaccination status of patrons. This occurs approximately two weeks before Victoria is expected to hit the 70% double-dose vaccination threshold.
More information on vaccinated economy trials here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccinated-economy-trials
Metropolitan-based organisations are still seeking clarity on a number of issues and timelines that affect them. The spread of the virus and steps to relaxing restrictions is a very live and dynamic issue, and it seems the government will be using the outcome of these regional trials to determine next steps for Melbourne. For instance, if we see a wide number of people, attending a wide number of events, with little to no community transmission, then this may mean restrictions will be more lenient in certain settings in Melbourne.
It is understood that the Service Victoria app, which Victorians currently use to check in via QR code, will also be used to bring up vaccination status confirmation (the trials in regional Victoria will also include testing of non-digital means).
Vaccines Mandates / Public Health Orders
TNA emphasised to the Minister that all organisations in the sector are concerned about how to handle vaccination policies surrounding their staff, patrons, and hirers, and requested clarity around if, and is so, when the government will announce a public health order.
Currently all workers on the authorised workers are required to be vaccinated (https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/vaccination-required-protect-workers-and-victoria), but there is still a lack of clarity around who will need to be vaccinated when attending venues once lockdown ends.
There is still no confirmation whether the state government will provide a public health order/directive that requires anyone attending a venue to be fully vaccinated. However, the state government has been consistent in their actions and statements to date around the vaccinated economy, and it is highly likely that vaccines will be mandated. This will provide safety and backing for organisations to limit attendance at venues to fully vaccinated people, without fear that they will be liable for claims of discrimination.
Organisations and vaccine-hesitant individuals should keep in mind that vaccine mandates will not be permanent; it is almost certain that these will be relaxed once the eligible population hits a 90-95% vaccination threshold.
In terms of checking vaccination status of people attending venues, it is understood that:
• Venues will be expected to turn away/deny service to unvaccinated individuals. In circumstances of non-compliance and/or anti-social behaviour, police may be called.
• Those who are not eligible for a vaccine, including children, are NOT considered unvaccinated.
• Venues will be responsible for checking the vaccination status of their staff and patrons, but external hirers (such as a dance company hiring a venue for a performance) will be responsible for checking members of their group, with an attestation made to the venue. The government is currently working through this process.
Guidelines
The government is currently working on guidelines around the use of rapid antigen testing.
The government is currently working on guidelines for air ventilation in venues.
The government is still working on updating the Public Events Framework, providing support to “state significant venues.”
Feedback
The Minister encouraged members of the sector to continue voicing their needs, particularly to Creative Victoria.
Regards,
Joshua Lowe
(he/him)
General Manager, Theatre Network Australia